Blue Steel

(This is me having fun....a photo shoot where I can practice my Blue Steel looks....thanks to the bathroom in the metals studio at Touchstone which is also my photo booth)

I spent 10 years perfecting my skills in metal smithing. I felt that it was extremely important for me to master or at least try as many techniques as possible. It was my mission to prove that even though I was a self-taught jeweler it didn’t mean I made crap. For years I created ALL the element of my jewelry by hand : chains, clasps, ear hooks, claps, omega clips….EVERYTHING. I put pressure on myself to become a technically strong metal smith and prove to others that I could keep up with the big dogs. When I started planning my yearlong road trip I was intimated and damn nervous for my visits to Universities, I was scared I would be called out as a fake or that I had no idea how to do anything.

Forcing down my fears, I proceeded on with my academic circuit of lectures, artist visits and critiques. After a year, over 20 schools visited I come to find that I actually am a pretty awesome and technically strong metal smith! And this didn’t come from the approval of others; it came from me pulling back the curtain to see myself for what I really am, a jeweler, an artist, a badass.

Okay, before my ego runs away with me, I am grateful for pushing myself to learn and to develop my skill BUT I’m starting to let go of these rules I unknowing set for myself. I’m starting to use pre-made chains (from companies that I believe in, like Halstead), making production work or limited editions, using paper and yes, the four letter word of jewelry I’m using GLUE. And most of all I’m having a freaking blast. And that’s what it’s all about, accepting that you are pretty amazing then having fun, enjoying what you do, sometimes breaking the rules and most importantly sharing it with others.

NEW Shop Items

Perfect segue into my new shop items. There are two today and bother are art jewelry.